On the Notch Train, you’ll travel on what was once the Maine Central Railroad’s famed Mountain Division line, on tracks that were laid in the 1870s. Enjoy some of the most dramatic natural scenery in the East as you travel through spectacular Crawford Notch – past sheer bluffs, steep ravines, cascading brooks and streams, panoramic mountain vistas, across Frankenstein Trestle and Willey Brook Bridge – enroute to Crawford and Fabyan stations.

As you travel through this rugged terrain, you can begin to appreciate what a remarkable engineering achievement constructing this railroad was over 140 years ago. Live commentary onboard includes history and folklore of the railroad and area, as well as points of interest.

Included in the excursion is a layover at Crawford Station, across from Saco Lake (a small pond from which the mighty Saco River originates), and adjacent to the AMC’s Highland Center. Passengers are encouraged to get off the train, stretch their legs, and explore their beautiful surroundings.

There is a CASH ONLY snack bar on the train, and Coach passengers are welcome to bring their own picnic lunches. You can eat on the train, or there are picnic tables next to Crawford Station. Another option is a quick lunch at the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Highland Center, which is next to Crawford Station. Cafeteria-style, it offers freshly-made sandwiches, soups, and salads with a beautiful dining area full of windows.

Please note: all trains leave from and return to our North Conway station. For most of the season the terminus of this excursion is Crawford Station – 50 miles, 5 hours round-trip. From September 21 through October 19 and again on November 2, it travels to Fabyan Station – 60 miles, 5.5 hours round-trip.

Seating Options

Coach seating and climate controlled First Class or Premium seats are available aboard the Notch Train. Premium seating is available in the upper dome of Dorthea Mae. First Class options are the CP Reed or the lower Domes Cars of Dorthea Mae. All originally built in the mid-fifties for transcontinental service in Canada and the United States, respectively. There are a total of 44 seats in the Dome Car: 24 in the Lower Dome, which is First Class seating, and 20 in the Dome itself, which is Premium seating.

First Class options are the CP Reed or the Dome Car, Dorthea Mae, both originally built in the mid-fifties for transcontinental service in Canada and the United States, respectively. There are a total of 44 seats in the Dome Car: 24 in the Lower Dome, which is First Class seating, and 20 in the Dome itself, which is Premium seating.

Our newest can, the Rhonda Lee, is a dome car, too, one that is dedicated to dining. As with the Dorthea Mae, the Lower Dome of this car is considered First Class seating, with the Upper Dome Premium Seating.

For your dining pleasure, we offer a Notch Train Dining Package: First Class seating with beverage service and snacks and a 3-course luncheon aboard our beautiful dining car, the Hattie Evans. Lunch is limited to those who have purchased the package with seats in the CP Reed or Dorthea Mae.

The onboard snack bar offers a limited selection of individually priced sandwiches, snacks, and beverages for purchase. Box lunches are available if pre-ordered with your reservation.

Please note: Passengers on the Notch Train will be asked to change seats with the passengers sitting across the aisle from them. This exchange will be made on the return trip to North Conway so that all passengers can enjoy the best views that this excursion offers.